Gunfire (1950) | Directed by William Berke

"Gunfire," released in 1950, is a Western film directed by William Berke. The story centers on Billy the Kid, one of the American West's most infamous outlaws, who finds himself wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With lawmen and bounty hunters on his trail, he must clear his name while navigating tense showdowns, daring escapes, and close encounters in a world where loyalty is rare and trust is dangerous.

William Berke was a prolific B-movie director known for his work on low-budget action films and Westerns, and he directed more than 100 films during his career. "Gunfire" is emblematic of Berke’s quick-paced, action-focused style, a hallmark of his productions during Hollywood's golden era of Westerns.

The movie stars Don “Red” Barry as Billy the Kid, alongside Robert Lowery and Wally Vernon. Barry, who gained fame in the 1940s as the titular character in "The Adventures of Red Ryder," brought a rugged, street-smart quality to the role of Billy the Kid, which resonated with fans of classic Western heroes. Lowery and Vernon supported Barry with performances that underscored the film’s action-packed narrative.

Public reaction to "Gunfire" was generally positive, especially among fans of Western films, who enjoyed its straightforward, action-oriented story. Although it didn’t break new ground, it was praised for its solid performances and Berke’s dependable direction, which contributed to its success on the B-movie circuit.

A fun fact about "Gunfire" is that it was one of the first Westerns to be released in cinecolor, an economical two-color process that gave the film a distinctive, slightly exaggerated look. This effect added to the movie’s atmosphere, making it stand out visually against the many black-and-white Westerns of its day.